By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is keeping an eye on what’s happening at Park Street Place in Dresden.
Following a question from North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail at a recent council meeting, C-K general manager of health and human services Jodi Guilmette said municipal staff have met with provincial agencies to find out how they can assist residents who may find themselves without a home.
In January, the Ontario Retirement Home Regulatory Authority revoked the license at the Dresden retirement home effective May 29. Unless a new buyer is found, the home will no longer be able to offer personal care services.
The revocation by the RHRA came on the heels of an investigation by the agency last fall when it was discovered that there was no staff available to care for residents. The RHRA order determined the owners were negligent in their duties to protect and care for residents.
As for the present owners, Guilmette said agency staff aren’t getting a lot of co-operation, making it difficult to move forward.
Guilmette said the number of residents impact is around 25, noting the number is “significantly less” than what was anticipated.
According to Guilmette, Chatham-Kent has let the provincial bodies know it’s not a municipal problem, but the municipality is “very concerned about the residents.
“We want to ensure we’re not in a position where vulnerable residents are left homeless at the end of the closure,” Guilmette said. “We’ve asked that we be kept apprised of the next steps and we will continue to have ongoing communications with them.”
